Government says it’ll ensure that self-proclaimed Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, and his wife, Mary, are extradited to the country, back from Malawi. This after the Malawi Magistrate Court yesterday ruled that the pair be extradited to South Africa, to face multiple charges, stemming from their 2020 court appearances. Bushiri is the leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, which had its headquarters in Pretoria.
The couple was granted bail pending trial but failed to comply with their bail conditions and fled the country under unknown circumstances, before they were located in Malawi. This prompted the South African government to submit an extradition request to Malawi, seeking their return to stand trial on various charges.According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the charges are rape, violating bail conditions, contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Banking Act, Civil Aviation Act, and Immigration Act. “This decision reaffirms judicial independence, international cooperation, and public trust in the South African and Malawian legal institutions.Today’s ruling is a significant milestone in international legal cooperation, demonstrating the strength of both countries’ judicial frameworks and diplomatic engagements.
“It reinforces the principle that no one is above the law and underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal frameworks in both South Africa and Malawi,” read a statement from the department. Bushiri is the leader of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, which had its headquarters in Pretoria. The department said it has been reliably informed that the pair will appeal the court ruling and will oppose it.
“The Department will await the outcome of the appeal process if they proceed.If they choose not to pursue the appeal, the Department will await formal notification from the Central Authority of the Republic of Malawi.Once received, INTERPOL, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), will coordinate the transfer arrangements and logistics. The State will cover all associated costs,” explained the statement.
